KARACHI, April 1: The Karachi Port Trust will set up food courts on the Napier Mole Bridge (old Nati-Jati Bridge) and under the Jinnah Flyover for recreation purposes.

The Board of Trustees of the KPT in its meeting held on March 8 gave this consent for the establishment of food courts by a private sector company. However, the contract for setting up of food courts, which is on the basis of built, operate and transfer (BOT), is presently awaiting government approval.

The food court will be a unique project, which will provide to Karachiites a much need recreation spot. The location will offer panoramic view of the Karachi Port and during summer a cool sea breeze will be a bonus to the visitors.

Apart from offering a new recreational opportunity, the project will also provide world class facilities for ethnic and international foods. The project consists of 25,000 sq ft retail and restaurant court, public viewing stands and souvenir shops.

It will also include an arena style redevelopment under the Jinnah Flyover for recreation purposes. The abandoned Napier Mole Bridge has been selected as the main food court to give panoramic view to the visitors and enjoy sea breeze for which the Karachiites throng the sea side in front of Sea View apartments every summer.

According to the plans, the KPT had allocated around 25,000 sq ft for retail food courts and 200,000 sq ft for pavement and hard-standing area. There will be arena and fountain for giving soothing atmosphere to the visitors.

Besides, there will be soft and hard landscaping, including car parking area sufficient for at least 500 vehicles. Area adjacent to PNSC building linking with Napier Mole bridge will also be used for landscaping.

The KPT board has accepted the offer by Grand Leisure Corporation (GLC) for the establishment of food court on BOT basis for 20 years on a "Royalty Payment" amounting to Rs350.4 million. However, the board inter alia has directed that it should be ensured that a clause to this effect be incorporated in the agreement to be entered into between the KPT and GLC to safeguard the interest of the KPT.

As per the agreement the successful applicant will have to invest a minimum amount of Rs100 million and equity investment will be 40 per cent minimum. Once the government sanction is obtained the project will be completed and facilities will be opened for commercial operations to the general public within six months from the date of effectiveness of the implementation agreement.

The GLC will be allowed full freedom to plan and run the activities of the food court. However, the KPT will have the right to monitor the activities. Nevertheless, at the end of the concession period the facility will be transferred back to the KPT in a properly maintained and operational condition.